After a near-yearlong absence from the NBA, Carmelo Anthony has carved out a role with the Trail Blazers and been one of the best stories of the season’s first half. However, it was not as smooth sailing in the 10 months leading up to his return.
Anthony, who grew up in Baltimore for most of his childhood, returned to Maryland to face the Wizards on Friday. In a wide-ranging discussion with Michael Lee of The Athletic, Anthony discussed how he mentally adjusted to not being in the NBA, considering playing close to home, and whether or not his NBA return will continue beyond the current season.
Check out some highlights from the conversation:
On how Anthony came to terms with not being on an NBA roster:
“Mentally, I had to like really detach myself from everything. From the actual game. I had to just say, ‘You know what? I’ve got to get away from it in order for me to start feeling good about myself otherwise.’ Because it started to just bog me down. Early on, I just kept asking, ‘Why me?’ And I just felt myself falling into those days where I’m searching for why. I’m searching for why. I wanted to know why. Then after a while, I was, ‘You know, I’m going to let it go, detach myself from the game and whatever happens is going to happen. I control my own destiny.’ ”
On considering joining the Wizards and playing close to home in Maryland:
“In the midst of everything that was over the past year, it was like, ‘Why not try to go play with them?’ Why not go close to home?’ You know, all that stuff came into play. That was kind of the only time I thought about it. If they called, I was ready. Even at that point and time, it was about me getting back in the game. If a team was willing to give me an opportunity, it’s something I would’ve have looked at.”
On appreciating the reaction he has received around the NBA since returning:
“I’ve been on the other side of that, too, where it’s not cheers. It’s boos. I appreciate it. I accept that. I cherish that. I take in these moments. Try to appreciate all of these moments. Going to all of these arenas. I think for the most part, it’s deeper than basketball, when it comes to me and my fan base, my support system.”
He’s done a great job rebranding himself this year!!
He’s done a fantastic job at keeping Portland’s lottery hopes alive.
This is why ratings are down, never focusing on the young superstars and instead act like me-first types like Melo, Harden and Bron are better for the game than Luka smdh
In the NBA media/ESPN/twitter world its Melo and Caruso over Giannis and Luka – and a big middle finger from me to anyone who made that happen.
LOL what are you talking about? Is it your goal to just spew out as much nonsense as possible. Luka has got plenty of spotlight this season. Melo was out of the game for over a year and now that he finally has a job he is proving he at least deserved to be on a roster. No one dislikes Hardens style more than me but you cant ignore the numbers he puts up and act like its nothing. And yeah Lebron is so me first with his 11 assists a game and building schools for his hometown, what a loser. Your ideas of how basketball works is comical.
Total absurdity comparing Melo to two of the greatest players in NBA history. Portland was 6-9 before Melo and have gone 9-13 since.
Glad he’s back in the game. He can still play at a high level. Seems to be adjusting to his role in Portland.